Marine Officer

Leader of Marines

Leadership Principles

There are 11 leadership principles that form the foundation of leadership in the Marine Corps. Living by these principles will make you a better officer. Together, they form the traits and values that define your character as a leader. Adopting these principles will guide your actions with your Marines and your unit, and provide direction throughout your career. The principles are also an important tool for self-evaluation and can be used to identify your strengths and weaknesses as you seek self-improvement.

Roles in the Corps

As one of the few, there are hundreds of ways to serve and every Marine trains in an area of expertise that contributes to the success of our missions. Whatever their expertise or field of training, Marines are ready to transition from mission to mission at a moment's notice.

Marine Corps Career

The profession of arms is unique in its commitment to order, personal development and core values. Marine Corps Officers seek a balanced career within this noble profession through experience and education.

Officer Selection Officer

If you have questions about becoming a Marine Officer, your best resource for information is an Officer Selection Officer (OSO). Your OSO will answer questions and help you decide which commissioning program best suits you. Once you have made the commitment to become an officer, your OSO will guide your physical training regimen and otherwise prepare you for the challenge of becoming a Marine Officer.

Officer Candidates School

The mission of Officer Candidates School is to train, evaluate, and ensure candidates possess the moral, intellectual, physical, and leadership values to serve as successful Marine Corps Officers. At Officer Candidates School, you will study topics such as land navigation, maneuver tactics and general orders—and you will apply what you have learned during tactical exercises. You will also study Marine Corps history, traditions, operations and organization.

Leadership Positions

Although officers indicate their preferences, Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) are assigned based various factors including individual performance as well as the needs of the Marine Corps. All leadership positions for officers fall under the categories of Ground, Air and Law. Being an officer of Marines is a huge responsibility and every MOS demands mature, responsible leadership to help accomplish the mission.

Commissioning Programs

Officers have several paths to earn their commission, the warrant that appoints them to the rank of second lieutenant. Whichever path they choose, they will be entrusted with leading Marines. The path to earning a commission begins with your Officer Selection Officer (OSO), who is your best source of information and can answer questions regarding your specific circumstances. If you have earned your college degree and are accepted into Officer Candidates School (OCS), upon completion of OCS training you will receive your commission as a second lieutenant.

The Basic School

Following Officer Candidate Course (OCC), newly commissioned officers head to The Basic School (TBS) to learn how to lead and inspire fellow Marines. Guided by the mentorship of experienced Marines, new officers develop the leadership, knowledge and esprit de corps that define the Marine Corps.

Officer Career Tool

Becoming an officer in the United States Marine Corps is no small task - it requires heart, soul and sweat. But if you have what it takes, along with the ability and the desire to be the best, there are countless opportunities for commissioned officers within the Corps. The Career Tool will help you decide which opportunity is right for you.